Plant This Movie

Plant This Movie is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary from director Michael Kuehnert, released in 2014. The film explores the vibrant world of urban agriculture, bringing the audience face-to-face with the revolution in environment-friendly urban living. Throughout the film, it’s admirably clear that the documentary is far more than just about gardening in the city, but rather, it delves into issues related to sustainable food resources, the connection between humans and nature, and reimagining urban space. With an international focus, the audience is given a lush, global perspective on issues, solutions, and pioneers devoted to the cause of urban farming.

The film features Miguel Altieri, a professor of Agroecology at the University of California; Roxanne Christensen, a city farming advocate; and Ron Finley, a fashion designer turned activist also known as the "guerrilla gardener." Their collective experiences and unique perspectives on urban agriculture form the crux of the film's narrative. Their passion and dedication to the topic provide heart and soul to the movie, making their journey highly relatable and engaging for the audience.

Plant This Movie kicks off by showcasing the global importance of urban agriculture, taking viewers on a worldwide tour. It covers multiple projects sprinkled in various cityscapes around the world, from Havana, Cuba and Lima, Peru to Shanghai, China and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It showcases that urban farming is not limited to a particular region, culture, or socioeconomic class, but rather it is a universal movement towards environmental sustainability and food security.

Finley steals the spotlight at pivotal points in the movie with his piston-firing enthusiasm and charisma as an urban gardener in Los Angeles. Finley’s quest began when he grew tired of the city's "food desert", areas plagued by lack of fresh, healthy food. He started to plant fruits and vegetables in the curbside dirt strips in front of his own house, pushing the envelope of urban farming into an act of defiant subversion. His story symbolizes the tangible effects of urban agriculture, not only in terms of nutrition but also in regard to community transformation, motivation, and inspiration.

Altieri, on the other hand, brings academic rigor to the film by sharing his expertise in urban agroecology, emphasizing how urban agriculture can never be divorced from broader ecological, social, and political contexts. He articulates the importance of understanding the city as an ecosystem and integrating farming into its fabric while steering clear from industrial agricultural practices.

Christensen's contribution is no less pertinent. Based in Philadelphia, she paints a picture of how city farming can pave the way to new economic possibilities, creating jobs and improving food access for low-income urban residents. Her work ties the threads of urban farming to social equity and resilience.

As the film progresses, it highlights the intersectionality of urban agriculture – how it takes on multiple roles for different people, from being a hobby, a means of survival, a political act, a community builder, to being a path for social justice and environmental restoration.

The film succeeds in conveying that urban farming is not simply about growing food but, to a greater extent, about reinventing our very understanding of the urban space and what it can provide for its inhabitants. The in-depth interviews with the featured pioneers underline the sense of fulfillment that comes from tilling the soil, sowing the seeds, nourishing the plants, and finally harvesting the produce, all within the confines of the city.

Plant This Movie slowly unfolds the beauty and necessity of urban agriculture by intertwining stirring personal narratives with a compelling look at the urban farming landscapes across the globe. It is an inspiring and enlightening film, fueled by the passion and determination of individuals working towards greener, healthier, and more self-sustainable cities. It leaps beyond simply presenting the concept of urban farming, diving deep into its multilayered implications for our urban societies and our increasingly fragile planet.

In summary, Plant This Movie is a must-watch documentary that offers a fresh perspective on urban living, inviting the audience to join a global movement that is not only transforming urban landscaps but also creating healthier communities and a more sustainable world. It discusses the joys and challenges faced by urban farmers, leaving the audience sparked with a renewed vision of the potential that lies within their own cities.